City Chicken Recipe

If you’ve never heard of City Chicken, you’re in for a delightful surprise. This Midwestern classic isn’t actually made with chicken—it’s typically made with pork or veal, skewered, breaded, and then baked or fried to crispy perfection. The name comes from a time when chicken was more expensive than pork or veal, and this dish became a popular way to mimic the taste of fried chicken while using more affordable ingredients.

City Chicken is a nostalgic dish for many, bringing back memories of family dinners and comforting meals. It’s simple to prepare but delivers big on flavor, with tender meat encased in a golden, crunchy coating. Whether you’re making this for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, City Chicken is sure to impress.

City Chicken

I’ve always loved making City Chicken because it’s a dish that blends simplicity with comfort. The skewered meat, breaded and fried or baked, has a crispy texture on the outside and tender, juicy meat on the inside. It’s a perfect recipe for when you want something homey and satisfying. While pork or veal is traditionally used, you can also experiment with beef or a combination of meats to make this dish your own.

This recipe brings back memories of family dinners where City Chicken was the star of the meal, often served with mashed potatoes and gravy or alongside a side of Oven Roasted Sausage and Potatoes Recipe. If you’re looking for a dish that’s full of flavor and nostalgia, City Chicken is the way to go.

Why You’ll Love This City Chicken Recipe

• Crispy and Tender: The combination of crispy breading and tender meat makes this dish irresistible.
• Easy to Make: City Chicken is straightforward to prepare, with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps.
• Budget-Friendly: This dish is a great way to use more affordable cuts of meat while delivering a delicious meal.
• Classic Comfort Food: City Chicken is a nostalgic, comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Main Ingredients for City Chicken

1. Pork or Veal – Traditional City Chicken is made with cubes of pork or veal, but you can also use beef or a combination of meats for variety.
2. Breadcrumbs – A coating of seasoned breadcrumbs gives the skewered meat a crispy, golden exterior.
3. Eggs – Beaten eggs help the breadcrumbs adhere to the meat, creating a crunchy coating.
4. Flour – Lightly coating the meat in flour before dipping it in the egg helps the breadcrumbs stick better.
5. Skewers – Wooden or metal skewers are used to hold the cubes of meat together, giving the dish its signature presentation.
6. Oil – For frying or browning the meat before baking, you’ll need oil that heats well, like vegetable oil or canola oil.

Step-by-Step Instructions for City Chicken Recipe

Here’s how to make this delicious, nostalgic dish step by step:

1. Prepare the Skewers: Start by cutting your pork or veal into 1 1/2-inch cubes. Thread 4-5 pieces of meat onto each skewer, pressing them together to ensure they hold their shape.
   • Tip: If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes before assembling to prevent them from burning during cooking.
2. Coat the Meat: Set up a dredging station with three bowls—one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with seasoned breadcrumbs. Lightly coat each skewer of meat in flour, then dip it into the beaten egg, and finally coat it in breadcrumbs, pressing the crumbs into the meat to adhere.
   • Pro Tip: For extra flavor, you can season your breadcrumbs with garlic powder, paprika, and a little bit of Cajun Shrimp Deviled Eggs Recipe seasoning.
3. Brown the Skewers: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is hot, add the breaded skewers and brown them on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
   • Tip: Browning the meat before baking gives the dish a delicious crispy exterior while ensuring the meat stays juicy inside.
4. Bake the City Chicken: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the browned skewers to a baking dish, and cover with foil. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and tender.
   • Variation: If you prefer, you can skip the baking step and continue frying the skewers until fully cooked, just like frying Fried Shrimp Recipe for a quicker version.
5. Serve: Once the City Chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. I love pairing this dish with mashed potatoes and gravy, or you can serve it with a side of Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe for a hearty, comforting meal.
   • Serving Idea: City Chicken also pairs beautifully with a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad like California Spaghetti Salad Recipe to balance out the richness of the dish.

Extra Tips and Variations

• Variation: For a lighter version, you can bake the City Chicken without frying, simply by brushing the skewers with a little oil and baking them at 375°F for 25-30 minutes.
• How to Store: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
• How to Serve: Serve City Chicken with sides like mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or even over a bed of Pumpkin Banana Loaf slices for a sweet and savory twist.

Health Benefits of City Chicken

While City Chicken is considered comfort food, you can make it a bit lighter by using lean cuts of pork or veal, opting for whole wheat breadcrumbs, or baking instead of frying. The dish is a great source of protein, and when served with a side of veggies, it makes for a balanced meal.

• High in Protein: Pork and veal are rich in protein, which helps keep you full and supports muscle repair.
• Customizable for Healthier Options: You can opt for lighter breading and baking methods to reduce the fat content, or pair it with steamed vegetables for a healthier meal.
• Rich in Iron and Zinc: Both pork and veal are excellent sources of iron and zinc, which are important for maintaining healthy energy levels and supporting the immune system.